We dive into a comprehensive discussion on mental health, substance use disorders, and the nuances of psychiatric treatment with Dr. Matthew Mosquera, an addiction psychiatrist and the medical director of Alcohol and Drug inpatient treatment at McLean Hospital in Boston. (He also happens to be Elara's brother.) Our conversation spans a wide range of topics, from the personal journey that led Dr. Mosquera into psychiatry, the distinction between various mental health professionals, to the intricacies of treating substance use disorders and the potential of ketamine in psychiatric treatment.
Dr. Mosquera shares insights into his approach to treating patients, emphasizing the importance of understanding the individual reasons behind substance use and the complex relationship between mental health issues like depression and substance use disorders. He highlights the critical role of language and terminology in treating use disorders, advocating for a shift from the stigmatized term "addiction" to "use disorder" to better capture the clinical nuances and reduce stigma. We also ask him about Naloxone (Narcan), and if he believes we should all carry it.
The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the current mental health landscape, including the impact of social media, the importance of resilience and grit, and the evolving understanding and treatment of ADHD. Dr. Mosquera offers practical advice for maintaining mental health, such as the significance of exercise, sleep, and managing what's within one's control.
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Mosquera provides valuable perspectives on the therapeutic relationship, the process of finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, and the importance of being open to change while being mindful of the limitations and potential side effects of medications like stimulants for ADHD.
Resources:
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/
Thich Nhat Hanh's Book on Anger: https://www.amazon.com/Anger-Cooling-Thich-Nhat-Hanh/dp/157322937
Arthur Brooks' column in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/arthur-c-brooks/
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